The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 116

**Chasing Light, Finding Peace – by Rohan Verma**

**Chapter 116**

The atmosphere of the gathering—a meticulously arranged assembly of society’s upper crust—was suddenly fractured. A wave of chaos erupted as an unexpected figure—a naked man—stumbled into view, his abrupt entrance sending shockwaves of disbelief throughout the room. The men, momentarily disoriented, instinctively glanced down at their own attire, their expressions a mix of embarrassment and incredulity, as if they were weighing their own dignity against the absurdity that had just transpired.

Meanwhile, the women reacted with a cacophony of piercing screams, their voices rising in a dissonant symphony of indignation that reverberated off the opulent walls.

“Security! Where in the world is security? Is anyone going to do something?!” A voice, sharp and laced with frustration, sliced through the chaos, demanding immediate attention.

This was no ordinary soirée; it was a congregation of the city’s most influential figures, all accustomed to a facade of civility and decorum. The whispered tales that circulated behind closed doors were one thing, but witnessing a naked man crash their elegant evening was a shocking affront to their refined sensibilities. The older gentlemen, particularly those accompanied by dates, were visibly shaken, their faces flushed with a cocktail of anger and embarrassment.

What a spectacle it was—an eyesore that none had anticipated, an unforeseen twist in the evening’s carefully orchestrated agenda.

At the far end of the room, Autumn found herself rooted to the spot, her heart racing as she absorbed the sharp gasps and murmurs swirling around her. The tension in the air was palpable, an electric charge signaling that the night was about to take a dramatic turn.

Just as she leaned forward, eager to catch a glimpse of the unfolding drama, a large hand suddenly covered her eyes. She instinctively recoiled, ready to protest, but then she heard Owen’s voice—low, firm, and reassuring—whispering in her ear, his warm breath sending delightful shivers down her spine.

“Don’t move,” he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.

A thrill surged through her, igniting every nerve ending in her body. Goosebumps erupted across her skin as an exhilarating jolt coursed through her, leaving her breathless for a moment. In that instant, the chaos around her faded into oblivion, and all that mattered was the sensation of being so close to him.

Owen’s gaze flickered over her, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes as he noted her stillness. But the warmth in his expression quickly morphed into a steely resolve as he turned his attention back to the pandemonium before them. The sight of Mars, stripped of all dignity and exposed in the distance, replaced any warmth in Owen’s demeanor with cold disdain.

“Didn’t you say you were bringing me to see a show?” Autumn finally found her voice, her words barely rising above the tumult. Confusion mingled with curiosity as she pressed on, “How am I supposed to watch if you’re covering my eyes?”

Her tone was not one of reproach; rather, it held genuine bewilderment. After all, it was Owen who had promised her a spectacle, and now he was acting in a way that left her utterly perplexed.

“Too dirty,” he replied tersely, his words clipped, as if he were guarding a secret he wasn’t quite ready to share.

Autumn’s curiosity only intensified. “Just one peek,” she implored, her hand instinctively reaching for his. His fingers were long, strong, and warm, like a piece of fine jade that she never wanted to release.

Sensing her yearning, Owen shifted his grip, intertwining their fingers. Just as her vision began to clear, he pulled her closer, his hands gripping her shoulders gently yet firmly. She stumbled, her body colliding with his chest, the impact sending her heart racing.

His movement was surprisingly tender, almost protective. As her forehead pressed against his palm, she felt the heat radiating from him, an intensity that was overwhelming. It was as if a brand had been placed upon her skin, and the intimacy of the moment left her slightly dazed, her heart racing at the closeness. She couldn’t help but worry about how they appeared to the onlookers, caught in this private bubble amid the chaos.

“You—” she began, but before she could articulate her thoughts, the commotion surged again, louder and more chaotic than before.

In a swift motion, Owen enveloped her in his arms, creating a protective barrier around her as he navigated through the throng. His presence was steady and reassuring, guiding her away from the chaos that threatened to engulf them.

Upon reaching the main hall, Autumn finally caught sight of the scene near the restrooms. Mars stood in disarray, his shirt and pants awkwardly draped over him, while Lydia, fully dressed, had clearly thrown on her gown in haste—backward, no less.

Whispers and pointed fingers surrounded them, a wave of judgment crashing over the pair.

A few of the more volatile guests couldn’t contain their disdain. “What is this trash? Can’t even afford a motel room? How the hell did you two get into this auction?!” Their derision was palpable, echoing the collective outrage of the crowd.

The aftermath of the fire had left both Mars and Lydia covered in a layer of powder and soot, their clothes clinging to them in a way that made it nearly impossible to recognize them.

“Mar—” Lydia’s voice trembled, fear evident in her eyes as she instinctively turned to Mars for support.

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